Power supplies are one of the most essential pieces of hardware in a PC. Although most power supplies are hidden in the chassis, your PC wouldn’t work without proper wattage being supplied to it. Graphics cards, out of every component, require the most wattage. Considering the evolution of PC hardware, GPUs are only getting more power-hungry. Therefore, in this article, let’s discuss the best PSU for the RTX 4090.
Take a look at my selection below:
Because of the controversy with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards blowing up due to loose power cable connectors, a few changes have been introduced to how you must connect your cable with the GPU. While considering these new requirements, I have finalized a list of the best power supplies for NVIDIA’s GPU king. So, let’s get started!
Related: Best CPU For RTX 4090
Best PSU For RTX 4090
Here’s a list of the best power supplies for RTX 4090 I will be covering today:
- MSI MPG A1000G
- Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200
- be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W
- Corsair RM 850E
- Corsair RM 1200X SHIFT
MSI MPG A1000G
Best 1000W PSU For RTX 4090
Specifications: Size: 150 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Gold | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1,000W | Protection: OCP, OVP, OPP, OTP, SCP, UVP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | PCI-E 5.0 16-Pin: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 6 | SATA: 12 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 4
Pros
- Fully modular
- Compact design
- 0 RPM fan mode
Cons
- Expensive
Starting the list, the first power supply I have chosen is the MSI MPG A1000G. Considering we’re powering the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, you require a lot of power. Even though 850W is the official margin by NVIDIA, it’s better to have more headroom. Therefore, the 1,000W MSI PSU should be useful for running NVIDIA’s King.
Regarding the design, the MSI MPG A1000G PSU offers 100% modularity and ATX 3.0 support, reducing cable clutter. However, if you don’t want an ATX 3.0 MSI power supply, you can use the ATX 2.0 MSI MPG A1000G. Although the ATX 3.0 ensures future-proofing, I recommend using a better power supply.
Looking at the efficiency rating, the MSI MPG A1000G PSU has an 80+ Gold rating, making it an extremely efficient power supply. Furthermore, the PSU also provides multiple protection levels, ensuring your hardware’s safety. Something you must remember, though, is that most power supply protections are meant to protect the power supply, not the computer. The power supply cannot decide the wattage a PC requires. Instead, it provides what is requested by the system.
So, Over Current Protection (OCP), for example, will shut the PSU when it sends too much power simultaneously. Because the MSI MPG A1000G offers many protection levels, you don’t have to worry about extra wattage harming your PC.
Lastly, the MSI MPG A1000G also covers all your cable problems. Offering 6 PCI-E 6+2 cables, 12 SATA 15-pins, and 4 MOLEX 4-pins, I found plenty of headroom to connect all my drives and case fans without issues.
Moreover, thanks to the wattage headroom, the PSU never went up to 100% capacity, keeping the PSU fan moderately quiet. The only disadvantage of the MSI MPG A1000G is the low efficiency I faced during lighter workloads. Other than that, it’s one of the best power supplies you can get for the RTX 4090.
What We Liked
The plenty of cable options and 0 RPM fan mode are some features I loved about the MSI MPG A1000G PSU.
What We Disliked
Apart from the pricing, the efficiency under lighter workloads could have been improved.
Who Is It For?
The MSI MPG A1000G PSU is for consumers upgrading their power supplies for the RTX 4090 and don’t plan to upgrade their build for a few years.
What Makes It The Best 1000W PSU For The RTX 4090?
The plenty of cable options, ATX 2.0 and ATX 3.0 options, and fantastic wattage capacity make the MSI MPG A1000G the best 1000W PSU for the RTX 4090.
Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200
Best ATX 3.0 PSU For RTX 4090
Specifications: Size: 160 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Gold | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1200W | Protection: OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | PCI-E 5.0 16-Pin: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 3 | SATA: 16 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 3
Pros
- Soft sleeved cables
- Tight load regulation
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Expensive
If you want an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, your most comfortable and future-proof wattage requirements should sit around 1,200W. Considering ATX 3.0 availability, modularity, and efficiency ratings, the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 covers you in most aspects. There are, of course, a few pros and cons, but the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 serves as the best ATX 3.0 PSU for the RTX 4090.
Firstly, the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 offers an incredibly sleek design. For example, the power supply offers 100% modularity and soft-sleeved cables. If you’re not buying modded cables, the ones Seasonic offers are amazing. You don’t have to worry about useless cable clutter, nor do the cables get in the way of your PC aesthetic.
Combine the sleeved cables with ATX 3.0 availability, and the clutter almost completely vanishes. You can easily supply your graphics card with 600W of power through a single connector rather than plugging three cables.
You also get an 80+ Gold efficiency rating and all sorts of protections with the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 PSU. While I was testing the power supply, I found no issues with overvolting, under volting, and moderately higher temperatures. Rather, the temperatures didn’t rise exponentially when I put a strain on the PSU to power the RTX 4090.
Because the temperatures didn’t rise, the load regulation of the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 stayed consistent and tight. Unlike most power supplies that start croaking during transient spikes, the GX-1200 handled them considerably well. The 1,200W mark seems to be the comfortable spot for the RTX 4090, especially with the transient spikes requiring up to 20% more power.
Moving towards the cables, like I previously stated, the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 has excellent soft-sleeved cables for your perusal. You get enough cables to power everything on your PC with a single ATX 24-pin, two EPS 4+4-pins, and a single 12VHPWR ATX 3.0-pin. Furthermore, you can easily power all your hard drives and case fans with three PCI-E 6+2-pins, 16 SATA 15-pins, and three MOLEX 4-pins.
The only notable negative point about the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 is its price. Although you get an amazing product, it’s not feasible for everyone. However, if your budget and the power supply fall under your requirements, I recommend upgrading to the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 PSU.
What We Liked
The wattage availability, tight regulation times, and soft-sleeked cables are a few features I love about the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 PSU.
What We Disliked
The efficiency rating for the price is something I dislike. For its price, the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 could easily be a platinum-rating PSU.
Who Is It For?
The Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 PSU is for consumers looking for the best ATX 3.0 power supply capable of handling frequent transient spikes.
What Makes It The Best ATX 3.0 PSU For The RTX 4090?
The ability to handle frequent transient spikes, along with the soft-sleeved cables which reduce clutter, make the Seasonic VERTEX GX-1200 the best ATX 3.0 PSU for the RTX 4090.
be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W
Best 850W PSU For RTX 4090
Specifications: Size: 175 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Titanium | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 850W | Protection: OTP, OCP, OPP, SCP, OVP, UVP, SIP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | PCI-E 5.0 16-Pin: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 4 | SATA: 12 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 3
Pros
- 80+ Titanium rating
- Efficient cooling system
- Design
Cons
- Expensive
While it’s not a good practice to cheap out on the power supply, running the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU on an 850W PSU is possible. With the be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W PSU, you can stay far away from any sudden crashes and/or resets, thus, making it the best 850W PSU for the RTX 4090.
The performance isn’t the only thing I love about the be quiet! Dark Power 13. The PSU’s design is impeccable, with a block-type design and a mesh side along the fan to improve airflow. Furthermore, the 100% modular option and ATX 3.0 compatibility reduce cable clutter considerably. If you’re not getting custom-modded cables, I recommend using the sleeved cables be quiet! provides with the power supply. The black color matches almost all aesthetics, and the reduced clutter gives more versatility to the build.
Aesthetics aside, the Dark Power 13 offers an efficiency rating of 80+ Titanium. The Titanium rating is the most efficient, and you can certainly get the best performance out of such PSUs. Moreover, users receive many protections, which can save them from sticky situations.
While I was testing the Dark Power 13 with the RTX 4090, the performance amazed me. Bluntly speaking, 850W is the bare minimum for NVIDIA’s flagship graphics card, and you can expect actual wattage to increase even more. Even so, I didn’t crash once after straining the power supply.
Offering three MOLEX 4-pins and 12 SATA 15-pins, you can connect all your fans and hard drives and still have leftover connectors. So, depending on your build, you can reduce clutter considerably.
The only negative aspect of the be quiet! Dark Power 13 PSU is its high price. Although you’re getting a Titanium-graded PSU with amazing modularity options and ATX 3.0 compatibility, the price is too high for an 850W power supply. But if budget isn’t an issue, and you want to keep an 850W PSU, you should go with the be quiet! Dark Power 13 power supply.
What We Liked
I love the regulation timings, the 80+ Titanium efficiency, and the block-type design with a side mesh panel for better airflow in the be quiet! Dark Power 13 PSU.
What We Disliked
The low wattage and high price are some of the things I disliked in the be quiet! Dark Power 13 PSU.
Who Is It For?
The be quiet! Dark Power 13 PSU is for consumers who don’t want to buy an excessive power supply but also want to run the RTX 4090 GPU.
What Makes It The Best 850W PSU For The RTX 4090?
The Titanium efficiency rating, ability to endure consecutive transient spikes, and tight regulation timings make the be quiet! Dark Power 13 the best 850W PSU for the RTX 4090.
Corsair RM850E
Best Budget PSU For RTX 4090
Specifications: Size: 140 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Gold | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 850W | Protection: OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | PCI-E 5.0 16-Pin: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 3 | SATA: 7 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 4
Pros
- Efficient under light loads
- Quiet operation
- Fully modular
Cons
- Lower quality capacitors
If you’re out of budget after purchasing the NVIDIA RTX 4090 but need a new PSU, the Corsair RM850E is for you. While I don’t recommend buying a lower-wattage power supply, you can use an 850W PSU with the RTX 4090 without facing any issues. Also, you don’t need to worry about crashes or restarts, thanks to ATX 3.0.
For starters, the Corsair RM850E has a compact size and a fully modular design built to reduce cable clutter in your PC. Also, unlike the Corsair RM850X, which has in-cable capacitors, improving ripple suppression, the Corsair RM850E has eliminated the extra feature. Doing so has reduced the bulkiness of the cables, making them easier to manage in all PC cases.
Moving towards performance, the Corsair RM850E is 80+ Gold rated, and while I was testing the PSU, it showed amazing efficiency under lighter loads. For its price, the 850W PSU is a great choice for many use-case scenarios. Moreover, you can utilize the RTX 4090 GPU without worrying about the PSU overheating over its preset limits.
Why do I say that? Because the Corsair RM850E comes equipped with more affordable capacitors, which might not be as reliable as the Japanese ones. But, while I was testing, the PSU ran without any issues, and I could have long gaming sessions comfortably. Even so, the Corsair RM850E has amazing performance under higher temperatures and lighter loads.
Lastly, because the Corsair RM850E is an inexpensive power supply, you get a lot of performance without emptying your wallet. You can also run the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 without losing substantial performance. With the Corsair RM850E PSU, I recommend using the RTX 4090 FE GPU.
What We Liked
I love the reduced noise levels and the full modularity you get for the price of the Corsair RM850E power supply. The less-bulky cables are also a plus point for cable management.
What We Disliked
The smaller fan and lower quality capacitors than the Corsair RM850X can make the RM850E a deal-breaker, which I also disliked.
Who Is It For?
The Corsair RM850E is for consumers on a tight budget after buying the NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU but want a PSU that can run the card without many problems.
What Makes It The Best Budget PSU For The RTX 4090?
The compact design, price, modularity, and performance at lighter loads make the Corsair RM850E the best budget PSU for the NVIDIA RTX 4090.
Corsair RM1200X Shift
Best Overall PSU For RTX 4090
Specifications: Size: 180 x 150 x 86mm | Efficiency Rating: 80+ Gold | Modular: Yes (Fully) | Wattage: 1200W | Protection: OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP | ATX 24-Pin: 1 | EPS 4+4-Pin: 2 | PCI-E 5.0 16-Pin: 1 | PCI-E 6+2-Pin: 4 | SATA: 16 | MOLEX 4-Pin: 8
Pros
- Higher wattage output
- Top build quality
- Quiet operation
- Efficient under light loads
Cons
- Short cables
For the last power supply, the Corsair RM1200X Shift 1,200W PSU is one of the best options for the RTX 4090 GPU. Not only do you get amazing performance with top-notch build quality, but you also get plenty of wattage for the RTX 4090 GPU. If you want to overclock your graphics card or utilize the NVIDIA RTX 4090 with a high-end CPU (which you should!), the Corsair RM1200X should be helpful. The power supply’s efficiency will help reduce the load too.
While the Corsair RM1200X is a slightly heavy and bigger PSU than other models, it can still fit in most PC cases. Moreover, the cables don’t have any in-caps, which reduces the bulkiness but may affect ripple suppression. The 100% modularity also reduces useless cable clutter from the PC, improving the overall aesthetic.
In terms of performance, the Corsair RM1200X offers amazing efficiency even under lighter loads. While testing the power supply, I had no problems running the RTX 4090, even while overclocking. Besides that, the 80+ Gold rating efficiency helps keep the load regulations and temperatures under check. Along with the 140mm PSU fan, you shouldn’t find any problems with the temperature increase due to the higher wattage output.
Because the Corsair RM1200X Shift doesn’t have in-caps in the cables, the ripple suppression of the power supply isn’t up to par. However, the PSU is amazing at handling transient power spikes. So, even while overclocking your RTX 4090, you won’t have to worry about sudden crashes or restarts.
Another aspect I disliked about the Corsair RM1200X Shift is the short cables that come with the PSU. You might find the cable length lacking if you use an E-ATX case. Thus, you will need to buy custom cables to utilize the power supply, which adds to the price of the power supply.
All-in-all, the Corsair RM1200X Shift is a great power supply if you plan on staying on the safe side of the power draw while also thinking of overclocking your GPU. Although there are a few shortcomings, you can’t expect any product to be perfect. Despite all the flaws, the Corsair RM1200X Shift is an efficient and powerful power supply.
What We Liked
The quiet fans, even at higher loads, and the Corsair RM1200X Shift’s efficiency are a few aspects I loved about the PSU.
What We Disliked
The subpar ripple suppression values and short cables are a few drawbacks of the Corsair RM1200X Shift, which I wouldn’t say I liked while using the power supply.
Who Is It For?
The Corsair RM1200X Shift is for consumers who want to stay safe with the power draw of the RTX 4090 while also thinking of overclocking the GPU.
What Makes It The Best Overall PSU For The RTX 4090?
The higher wattage output, great efficiency under light loads, and quiet fans while keeping lower temperatures make the Corsair RM1200X Shift the best overall PSU for the RTX 4090.
What Is ATX 3.0?
ATX 3.0 is the latest power supply standard introduced by Intel in 2022. Due to the increase in wattage requirements of next-gen graphics cards, ATX 2.0 PSUs find it difficult to power these GPUs.
With the latest ATX 3.0 standard, the power supplies come with the latest 12VHPWR cable, also known as the PCIe 5.0 cable, which can power up to 600W. While 600W might not sound like a lot, the PSUs can also handle up to 1,800W of power transient spikes for 100 microseconds. Moreover, all ATX 3.0 PSUs must have an 80+ Gold certified rating. The PSU should be 85% efficient at 50% load and 90% efficient at 100% load.
Additionally, with the latest ATX 3.0 standard, the power supply can directly convey signals about its capabilities to the graphics card. Unlike ATX 2.0 PSUs which would crash or restart because too much power is required, ATX 3.0 PSUs decide how much power they want to send. The above-mentioned is true for PCIe-connected devices, including graphics cards and SSDs.
However, that’s not all with the ATX 3.0 power supplies. The latest 12VHPWR cable has had a few “accidents,” as one may call it. Because 4 connectors merge into one cable, the 12VHPWR cable gets extremely bulky. When you plug it in the RTX 4090, it causes a sharp 90-degree angle.
Due to that angle, and a few other factors, a small number of graphics cards got caught in sparks and fires. Since then, NVIDIA has officially issued a statement to Gamers Nexus, but the damage had already been done.
NVIDIA RTX 4090 PSU Requirements
Since the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU was announced, consumers have had numerous questions about its wattage and PSU requirements. As I explained, Intel launched the latest ATX 3.0 PSUs to improve power requirements for next-gen graphics cards.
So, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 requires either a 12VHPWR cable. Otherwise, an adapter can connect with the GPU if your PSU has three PCI-e 8-pin cables.
Regarding wattage requirements, NVIDIA’s official minimum requirements fall at 850W. However, you may need more power while using a heavier CPU. Thus, many AIB partners recommend at least 1,000W to run the RTX 4090.
Even so, a few variants, such as the Palit RTX 4090 GameRock OC, has a wattage recommendation of 1,200W. Why, you may ask? Because the graphics card is factory overclocked. On top of that, if you wish to overclock the GPU or CPU more, you will need greater power.
Add transient power spikes, and a lower wattage power supply easily crosses its 100% load limit. Also, buying a higher-wattage PSU can save you from a potential future purchase if you decide to upgrade your PC.
Therefore, greater wattage PSUs are being given more importance now, and it won’t be surprising if we see 1,500W PSUs being utilized only to run the latest graphics cards soon.
Related Read: Do You Need A New PSU For RTX 4090?
How To Connect RTX 4090 To PSU
There are potentially two ways to connect your NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card to your power supply. If your PSU has the 12VHPWR cable or the PCIe 5.0 cable, you need to connect the cable to the graphics card and plug the GPU into the motherboard.
However, if you don’t have a 12VHPWR cable yet have three 8-pin PCI-e connectors, you can utilize an adapter to connect the cables to the graphics card. You need to ensure your PSU can output more than 850W; else, the GPU won’t function as intended.
Because the 12VHPWR cable is extremely bulky, it can easily be damaged and overheated, reducing the power supply’s lifespan. Therefore, I suggest buying custom-built PCIe 5.0 cables to ensure longevity.
You will also need to take care of the cable not hitting the side panel of the chassis. Else, you will either need to use your PC without a side panel attached or change your case completely.
Also Read: Best PC Cases
Important Power Supply Key Terms
- Efficiency Rating: These ratings showcase the output percentage guaranteed for your PSU. Ratings go from Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium.
- 12VHPWR Cable: Abbreviated as 12-Volt High Power Cable, this is the latest cable with ATX 3.0 power supplies.
- OPP: Also known as Over Power Protection, OPP prevents damage from excessive power output, usually over 130% to 150%.
- OVP: Also called Over Voltage Protection, OVP prevents damage from excessive voltage levels.
- OCP: Abbreviated as Over Current Protection, OCP protects against potentially pushing too much current into the PSU.
- SCP: Also called Short Circuit Protection, SCP prevents the motherboard from burning due to high-temperature output.
- OTP: Also known as Over Temperature Protection, OTP shuts down the power supply when the internal temperatures exceed a preset temperature level.
How We Selected The Power Supplies
There are various things to look at and understand while purchasing power supplies. Therefore, while choosing the best PSUs for the RTX 4090, I had a few dimensions in mind: modularity, efficiency, ATX 3.0 compatibility, and wattage output. The criteria helped me narrow down which PSU to choose while also keeping the price of each in mind.
Also Read: Best PSU For RTX 4080
Modularity
While choosing the power supplies, I made sure all of the power supplies were 100% modular. Unlike non-modular PSUs with pre-attached cables, modular power supplies allow you to plug in cables as per your needs.
Efficiency
One of the most important things to look for in a power supply is its efficiency. The more efficient your power supply is, the less heat it will produce while giving more performance. In my checklist, I ensured all the power supplies came with at least an 80+ Gold rating.
ATX 3.0 Compatibility
Because we were discussing power supplies for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, our power supplies should be ATX 3.0 compatible. Otherwise, connecting the GPU with the cables would be another hassle.
Wattage Output
Seeing how the RTX 4090 GPU requires a lot of power, you must ensure your power supply can output at least 850W. If you want to be on the safe side, you’re better off going with 1,000W or more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A 1,000W power supply should be enough for most of your needs, including running the RTX 4090. However, overclocking the graphics card on a 1,000W PSU is not recommended.
You need at least an 850W power supply. ATX 3.0 compatibility is a plus. Otherwise, you’ll need three PCI-e 8-pin cables and an adapter to connect the GPU to the PSU.
It depends. There’s almost no need to upgrade if you have a high-wattage ATX 2.0 PSU, presumably over 1,000W. However, if you’re using a lower-wattage PSU, upgrading for better performance and future-proofing is better.
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[Hardware Expert]
With a major in Computer Science, Sameed is a tech enthusiast who puts his passion for gadgets into words and creates informative blogs. From comparing different hardware to reviewing the best RAMs, motherboards, and graphics cards for your next build, Sameed has covered a wide spectrum of topics that have given him a special insight into every nook and cranny of the tech world. Sameed is also a certified expert at Computer Hardware & Networking.
Get In Touch: sameed@tech4gamers.com
